Alvin Ailey Dance Series

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Alvin Ailey was born on January 5, 1931, in Rogers, Texas. His experiences of life in the rural South would later inspire some of his most memorable works. He was introduced to dance in Los Angeles by performances of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo and the Katherine Dunham Dance Company, and his formal dance training began with an introduction to Lester Horton’s classes by his friend Carmen de Lavallade. Horton, the founder of one of the first racially-integrated dance companies in the United States, became a mentor for Mr. Ailey as he embarked on his professional career. After Horton’s death in 1953, Mr. Ailey became director of the Lester Horton Dance Theater and began to choreograph his own works. In the 1950s and 60s, Mr. Ailey performed in four Broadway shows, including House of Flowers and Jamaica.

In 1958, he founded Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to carry out his vision of a company dedicated to enriching the American modern dance heritage and preserving the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience.

http://3chicspolitico.com/2014/03/17/monday-open-thread-alvin-ailey-dance-series/

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1. Another

Robert Battle’s The Hunt is a primal ritual with a distinctly urban feel fueled by a thundering percussion soundtrack by Les Tambours du Bronx. Perhaps Battle’s most popular work, it explores the relationship between modern sports and the rites of the gladiators.

Battle found inspiration for the work in his background in martial arts, replicating the intensity and combative stances. Costumed in long black skirts with under layers of red, six men throw themselves into the movement, reveling in the thrill of the hunt.

It’s a work that challenges the physical limits and the emotional stamina of even the famously indomitable Ailey men. Said rehearsal director and guest artist Matthew Rushing, “at times Robert gave us images of being in a rave club, letting loose and going wild and not caring about technique or form — just throwing out energy. A lot of times it feels like you’re in a fight, or you’re fighting to get through. ”

http://3chicspolitico.com/2014/03/18/tuesday-open-thread-alvin-ailey-dance-series/